Vieques, an island municipality of Puerto Rico, is situated eight miles off the mainland and reached by small plane in 22-minutes from San Juan or 10-minutes from Ceiba. A ferry also runs roundtrip from Ceiba to Vieques daily. It is home to the HIX Island House, a hotel with a unique connection to nature. A place where one is allowed to recharge and return home rejuvenated.

Spread over 13 lush acres scattered with lemon, banana, and papaya trees, 6 modernistic buildings dot the landscape. John Hix, the architect of the hotel, has strived to make his structures fit with nature, not the other way around. Strategically located to capture cooling trade winds, and designed to provide shade to those on the inside, the views perfectly frame the expansive vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and surrounding landscape. 

Opening the oversized roll-up door on one end of the Solaris Loft 2, and the shuttered window on the other, the 1,010 square foot room is transformed into an open-air oasis. A canopy of trees, a far-reaching view to St. Croix, and warm breezes flutter from one end of the room to the other. The sun beams off soft mosquito netting and a sleek concrete kitchen countertop. So strikingly beautiful, my body and soul awash in peacefulness and awe.

This island oasis is a short distance to the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge, considered one of the most ecologically diverse refuges in the Caribbean. With over 28 beach entrances, coastal lagoons and mangrove wetlands, it’s home to over 170 bird species and nesting places for leatherback, hawksbill and green sea turtles. Manatees have been sighted swimming in the surrounding waters.

While exploring, we found each beach to be different, and we visited over 15. A few offered rocky fishing spots and far-reaching views, others we discovered, possessed unspoiled, calm seas ideal for snorkeling. All were exquisite with the sea ebbing at the shore. Perfect for calming the mind.

I’m sure each visitor will have their favorite beach, mine was La Chiva, entrance #8 to be specific. With its crystal-clear turquoise water, pristine sand, and beckoning sand bar, it would cause anyone to slow down and savor the moment.

It’s late afternoon when we returned to HIX from a day of snorkeling and beach hopping. We strolled the luscious grounds as we headed toward the fifty-foot pool and panoramic deck.

The pool runs off the sun with minimal chemicals, using instead a method of ionization, with copper and silver, for their natural algaecide and antimicrobial properties. A gentle trickle of water falls into the pool, the smell of jasmine and lush flowers from the cascading blooms surround the sundeck. The endless panorama soothes my body and mind, embracing me, eliciting a sense of mindfulness, of being present in the moment.

At HIX Island House, sustainable practices rule. Solar provides electricity and hot water. Shower and sink greywater nourish the surrounding landscape. The HIX gives back as much as it takes. 

Heading back to our room there’s an outdoor, but very private, shower on the balcony. With views to the ocean and cooling, gentle trade winds, it was liberating and as close to a perfect shower experience as one can get.

When it’s time to say goodnight, indulgent Frette towels and linens, and Neeva Gayle nightshirts are soft and comfy. There are no distractions; no TV or WIFI (available at the front desk only).

Stretched out on lounge chairs on our expansive private balcony, my husband and I gaze at the countless diamond stars dotting a dark, yet brilliant sky. We point out constellations and the occasional, elusive shooting star. Eventually, we crawl under the mosquito net. The room, open to the elements, windows free of glass, allow the Caribbean winds to gently blow keeping the bugs far, far away.  

In the morning the spectacular sun rises. Our bed positioned perfectly to capture it, like a movie screen sound and all, as the cacophony of birds awakens us.

In the afternoon, a ride into the tiny city of Isabell II. A charming pueblo with colorful homes, restaurants, and the Conde de Mirasol Fortress (the last Spanish fort built in the Americas), where we learned a bit about Vieques history.

I must mention the horses, over 3,000 of them, who roam freely throughout the island and out and about the hotel grounds. It’s just another dimension that connects visitors to nature.

There’s no better way to reconnect with nature and get away from it all than spending a few days on this island, at this hotel.

Owner John Hix knew what he was doing. The architecture and design fitting in with nature are the HIX Island House’s biggest draw. For those who need a full restoration, the space allows you to savor what you’re seeing, smelling, and hearing. He’s embraced the Japanese philosophy of Wabi-Sabi. As things age, they become more beautiful, for there’s beauty in imperfection, in the wisdom of nature, and the natural cycle of life and death.

HIX Island House offers a romantic destination for couples, an enchanting location for weddings, peaceful yoga retreats, (there’s a lovely yoga pavilion with classes offered daily), or a rejuvenating work conference. Breakfast is consistent with the healthy island life with fruits, fresh-baked bread, organic eggs, and Puerto Rican coffee. Beach chairs, towels, as well as a cooler are provided for beach excursions.

I long to experience that feeling again, of getting away from it all and to relax and recharge within the HIX experience. HIX truly keeps giving back in so many ways.

Our stay at the HIX Island House was complimentary, but all views are my own. Disclaimer: This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase from one of them, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you.

HIX Island House
HC-02 Box 14902
Route 995, Kilometer 1.5
Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765

HIX Island House.com
(787) 435-4590
info@hixislandhouse.com

Read more about the Hix Island House

For more things to do in Vieques

Sandy Ruyack is the owner and writer of the popular and award-winning adventure travel blog, Boulevards and Byways. Her stories and photographs reflect her love of travel to Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and elsewhere around the world as she introduces readers to off the beaten path destinations and provides travel tips, guides, and vacation inspiration. Through transformative travel experiences, she encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones and take the road less traveled.

Boulevards and Byways has provided written content for an array of hotels, tour companies, and travel publications and assists the travel & tourism industry with growth through engaging content, strategy, and storytelling. Sandy has lived in Brewster, NY for 34 years with her husband and splits her time between the northeast and Luquillo, Puerto Rico.

The post Getting Away from it All at HIX Island House appeared first on Boulevards & Byways.

When there’s a chill in the air in the northeast, just know it’s time to go to Puerto Rico and warm up. The holidays are a great time, and with several more months of cold in New York, I’m taking off my boots, packing my flip flops, and starting the countdown to 12 days of Puerto Rico.

I’m modeling this post around the song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, an English Christmas carol that enumerates a series of increasingly grand gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas. Instead of gifts, I’m offering up 12 things to see in Old San Juan, 11 beaches to swim, 10 street foods to try, 9 sips of rum, you get the picture.

I’ve been to the island four times since the hurricane (and during the hurricane too, but that’s a story for another day), and there’s absolutely no reason not to visit. Puerto Rico is more than ready for visitors and tourism counts in helping further recovery. I’m inviting all beach bums and hikers, rum lovers and foodies, those who like water sports and exploring caves, and of course, science geeks, history buffs, and art aficionados. There really is something for everyone here. And let’s not forget the bio-bays…they glow blue…need I say more? Let’s get started! 

12 things to see in Old San Juan

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

A trip to Puerto Rico wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Old San Juan.  Here are 12 of my favorite sites. Start by walking along San Juan’s most beautiful promenade, El Paseo de la Princesa. Originally created in 1853, the Paseo features a broad brick walkway leading its visitors through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase. Raíces Fountain, sculpted by Spanish artist Luis Sanguino can be found along the path. This magnificent bronze fountain celebrates Puerto Rico’s rich cultural diversity and historical heritage through representations of Amerindian, African, and Spanish peoples.

When you reach the red door or La Puerta de San Juan admire the walls, they’re 15 feet thick. Between 1634 and 1638, the city of San Juan was turned into an impregnable fortress with the building of its walls. This massive door was closed at night to protect the city and its residents from attacks by land or sea.

Continue through the doors and up the hill to Cathedral de San Juan Bautista. This inviting cathedral contains the tomb of Ponce de León and something else that’s a bit unusual. The waxed-coated, mummified remains of Saint Pius (San Pio) is on display. The first Christian martyr of the Roman persecutions during the first century, his remains were brought to Puerto Rico from Spain in 1862.

Make a stop in The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture which houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s.

Admire the totem pole or the El Totem Telurico at the Plaza del Quinto Centenario. Built in1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas it was created by artist Jaime Suarez. This totem was built with clay from different areas of the Americas and is meant to signify the various origins of the people.

Take a tour at El Morro Fort and admire the stunning vista of the ocean beyond. A National Historic Site and administered by the US National Park Service, this six-level fortress was completed in 1589 to protect the city from sea invaders.

Visit the Plaza de Ballajá, or military barracks. Built in 1854 for the Spanish troops established on the island, and their families, this building is home today of the Museo de las Americas,  which contains pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas.

Explore Casa Blanca, built in 1521 as a “strong-house” for Ponce de Leon, who died before it was completed. Today, it’s a National Historic Monument and a museum.

Tour La Fortaleza, built in the early 1500′s, was the first fort to protect the city from Carib Indian sea invaders. In 1846, the building was remodeled from a fort to a mansion. The oldest governor’s mansion still used in the Western Hemisphere and a World Heritage Site, it’s open Monday through Friday from 9:00 until 3:30 pm., but you need to make a reservation.

Ask for a miracle at Capilla del Cristo, (Cristo Chapel), built in 1753, is dedicated to the Cristo of Good Health. Here, if you have a health issue, you can purchase the appropriate body-part-shaped piece of silver (promesas), and leave it at the church as an offering.

If you look to your right when you are facing the chapel you’ll find Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park). Here you will be able to feed the hundreds of pigeons that make this park home.

Fort San Cristobal,  built in 1634 and completed in 1771, it was used to protect the city from sea and land invasions. The fort, 150 feet high, was constructed with a number of different units all connected by tunnels, and each self-sufficient. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. A National Historic Site, it is administered by the US National Park Service.

For more information check out this self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan.

11 Beaches to Swim

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico and a myriad of beaches. These are my eleven favorites.

Luquillo Beach, a stunning crescent-shaped oasis on the northeast end of the island features shallow, calm waters, lifeguards, changing facilities, and food. With an awe-inspiring view of El Yunque National Rainforest, is also close to the famous Luquillo Kiosks where you can grab a bite to eat from one of the many local food vendors.

Pinones Beach, two miles outside San Juan, Pinones is an area where you can paddle kayaks around the mangrove lagoon and rent bikes as you cycle along the nature trail boardwalk. There is no shortage of food vendors selling local dishes like arepas, pinchos, and bacalitos.

La Posita Beach is protected from the rough surf by a natural rock wall running along the length of the beach, creating a clear shallow pool. Close to the airport, you can watch the planes as they fly overhead toward their next destination.

Dorado Beach, west of San Juan, is a white sand cove, and home of the 11-mile long Rockefeller Trail.

Ocean Park Beach, just east of Condado offers a mile-long stretch of sand offering a quiet oasis as well as opportunities to kite-surf, boogie board, and play beach volleyball.

Condado Beach, the island’s best hotels and resorts line this famous Puerto Rico beach which bustles with active beachgoers.  

Mar Chiquita, set on the north coast, is a stunning horseshoe-shaped beach. Waves crash over the stunning coral formations making this the most photographed beach.

Sandy Beach, in Rincon on the west coast, is a magnificent stretch of beach where surfers and boogie-boarders can be found waiting to catch a wave. Lined by apartments, hotels, restaurants, and beach bars it’s a great place to hang out, grab a drink, and watch the sunset.

La Playuela Beach, located along the southwestern coast in Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge is complete with hiking trail, a Lighthouse, and limestone cliffs.

La Chiva, (Blue Beach/#21) in Vieques (home to some 40 beaches) is maintained through the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. The west end of La Chiva offers great snorkeling and the east side has shallow waters for wading.

Flamenco Beach, in Culebra, is rated one of the top 10 beaches in the world. This expansive soft white sand beach and crystal-clear turquoise waters are stunning. Food, bathrooms, and lifeguards are on-site.

10 Street Foods to try

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

When visiting someplace new, be sure to try the local foods.  Food, after all, is the single most unifier across cultures.

Arepas are around, puffed dough (some look like a small donut without the hole, while others remind me of an Asian bao or steamed bun), which can be grilled, baked, fried, or steamed and stuffed or topped with pork, beef, or fish. Arepas are one of my favorite foods in Puerto Rico.

Lechon or whole roasted pig is a traditional holiday food in Puerto Rico, but it doesn’t have to be a holiday for you to try it. There’s an entire town, Guavate, dedicated to cooking and serving this juicy and succulent meat all year-round. Take a ride along “pork highway” (la Ruta del Lechón), where you’ll find a party in the street along with several restaurants specializing in pork (lechoneras). With music blaring, salsa dancing in the street, and lechon roasting on the spit, you can’t go wrong.

Chillo Frito or whole red snapper is a must try if you’re a fish fan. Moist and tender on the inside and the crunchy skin on the outside, there’s no better place to try it than in Puerto Rico.

Tostones, thickly sliced fried green plantains are wildly popular in both restaurants and as a street food. These crispy fried plantains, (a very firm banana) are either served as a side dish or as an appetizer and can be dipped in catchup/mayo, a popular condiment in Puerto Rico.

Pinonos consists of ground beef and seasonings with fried plantains wrapped around the meat. Its sweet and savory combination is filling is delicious.

Alcapurrias are one of the many dishes served at kiosks or streetside stands. Consisting of dough surrounding ground beef, they are deep-fried in oil. The dough is generally green bananas (guineo) or grated cassava.

Pinchos is Spanish for spikes. Pork, chicken or shrimp shish-kebob grilled on roadside stands, gets your mouth watering while it cooks.

Bacalaitos are salt cod pancake-like fritters. Delicious. I found this one being fried in a beach-side stand in Manati.

Pastelillo is a flaky pastry which is baked or fried and packed with beef chicken or fish. Enjoy it as an appetizer or a main dish. The smaller version of this snack is often called an empanadilla.

Mofongo is Puerto Rico’s signature dish and if you eat only one local food, this is the one to try. Fried green plantains mashed in a wooden pilon, filled with pork, steak, chicken or seafood, and covered in garlic and olive oil, or a criollo (red) sauce. Yum. Delicious!

9 Sips of Rum

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

Seeped in history and tradition, Bacardi is the most famous rum in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico takes the title “Cathedral of Rum” seriously which is why I recommend visiting Casa Bacardi in Cataño. Here you can participate in a mixology class, indulge in a rum tasting, or embark on a fascinating historical tour.

8 Hands on Deck

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

On Puerto Rico’s northern coast, an 83-foot topsail schooner, the Amazing Grace, sails in San Juan Bay and lures its passengers into the history of Old San Juan. Although walking the city is something many thoroughly enjoy, you get a different perspective experiencing the city while sailing on the bay. This beautiful vessel flies seven sails used in different combinations to suit the wind. The ship is representative of the ones used by the British in the War of Independence and again in 1812. You won’t find pirates in Puerto Rico today, but a pirate flag flutters from the ship’s stern, reminding all of the gnarly tales associated with the schooner’s history.

7 years into the future

Please note: This attraction is permanently closed. 

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

Looking toward 2025 the Arecibo Observatory will continue to be recognized as a world-leading radio astronomy, solar system radar, and atmospheric physics facility in Puerto Rico. Home to the world’s largest single-dish radio telescope, the thousand-foot dish, nestled among lush green hills, is 150 feet deep and covers roughly 20 acres. It is truly an engineering marvel. Suspended 450 feet above the dish is a 900-ton platform, which hangs in midair on eighteen cables. The Observatory is considered one of the most important national centers for research in radio astronomy, planetary radar, and terrestrial aeronomy, and it is used by scientists from around the world. I highly recommend a visit.

6 Watersports to try

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

Surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, kite surfing, and jet skiing are all popular water activities in Puerto Rico. My favorite, Pirate Snorkeling Shack in Fajardo, offers informative and educational snorkeling and kayaking tours of Seven Seas Bay and if you’re looking to paddleboard, they have that also. When you come back from your adventure, you can rent one of their fun and colorful swan or unicorn floats. Spend your afternoon floating on the bay and enjoying the beautiful vista. Great for the kids (and adults too)!

5 Things to do in the Rain Forest

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

El Yunque is the only tropical forest in the United States National Forest System and is known for having one of the greatest concentrations of biodiversity anywhere, especially among its insects, mushrooms, and fern. Since the hurricane, it is unfortunate that most of the forest remains inaccessible, but La Coca Falls (Carr. 191) and Yokahu Tower (Carr. 191) are open until 4:30 pm each day. I was there a few months ago, and I strongly recommend a drive to La Coca Falls, taking a few photos and climbing the tower from which you’ll see a stunning view of the Atlantic, Luquillo, and the forest canopy. There are tour operators in the area where you can also zip line, horseback ride, or rent an ATV, all while enjoying the beauty of the rainforest.

4 Outlying Islands

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is an archipelago formed by one main island and equally beautiful smaller islands like Vieques, Culebra, Gilligan’s Island, and Caja de Muerto. There is an array of other Isla’s sprinkled around Puerto Rico’s perimeter which can be accessed by a variety of specialty tours and charters, but I chose to only focus on four.

On the east coast, Vieques has over 40 stunning beaches to explore and each one is highly unique and worth a visit. This eco-friendly island is special. There are no high-rise hotels and horses roam freely in the streets. It’s all about nature.

Culebra’s white sand beaches, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming with turtles can’t be beaten, not to mention its great fun driving around the island on a golf cart.

Both Vieques and Culebra can be accessed by ferry or a small plane out of Ceiba in the northeast and both have an assortment of restaurants, tour operators, and small inns for travelers who wish to stay several days or a week or more. I don’t recommend going for a day because there is so much to see and do on both these islands, but snorkeling day trips are offered out of Fajardo on the east coast.

Best for a day trip, Gilligan’s Island in Guanica offers shallow crystal-clear waters surrounded by mangroves and is perfect for nature lovers and snorkelers. Caja de Muerto in Ponce attracts those who like to hike, birdwatch as well as swim in the inviting waters. Both islands are only accessible by boat and neither of the islands has any facilities. They are so unique and offer diverse wildlife that they are both worth exploring.

3 Bio Bays

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

Visiting the bio bay is a must-do activity when visiting Puerto Rico. Tiny organisms in the bay make the water the glow. This bioluminescent glow is produced by a physic-chemical reaction that begins when the single-celled dinoflagellate organism is disturbed.

There are only five places in the world where you can see the bioluminescent bay and three are in Puerto Rico: Mosquito Bay in Vieques,  Laguna Grande on the northeast coast in Fajardo, and a third in La Parguera in the south.

2 Caves to Explore

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

In northwest Puerto Rico in the town of Arecibo, there are two caves worth exploring. Guided tours of the Rio Camuy Caves are offered giving participants a first-hand view of the large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways which have been carved out by the third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy.

Unlike the Camuy caves which are underground, another cave stunningly located on the side of a cliff worth visiting is Cueva Ventana. Tours of this site will deliver insight into how the cave formed, the many creatures which call it home, the plants on site, (some of which are near extinction), and provide the history of the original Taino Indians who were the original inhabitants of the area.

1 Perfect Island

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

Monthly temperatures average between 75 and 85 degrees so there’s never a bad time to visit. Easy to get to, especially from the U.S., there are direct flights from cities all along the East Coast. You can get to San Juan is just a little over 2 hours from Miami and less than 3.5 hours from New York. No passport? No problem. You only need a valid government-issued ID to travel to Puerto Rico from the U.S. While the primary language is spoken is Spanish, most locals know English too. So, beach bums and hikers, rum lovers and foodies, those who like water sports and exploring caves and of course, science geeks, history buffs, and art aficionados, Puerto Rico welcomes you. There really is something for everyone here.

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Hix Island House Eco Friendly Luxury –

Offering refreshingly unique comfort for body and soul, the Hix Island House is located on a 13-acre natural refuge in Vieques, the Spanish Virgin Islands of Puerto Rico. Many people may be wary to choose this tiny island as a vacation destination, which was hard hit by category 4 hurricane Maria.

The reality however, is the pristine beaches are still specimens of untouched beauty and eco-friendly adventure remains provocative and healthy. By providing off the grid accommodations, Hix Island House is living proof of how sustainable living can surpass destructive forces.

Responsible Living Caribbean Vacation 

Solar energy provides electricity and hot water. Cisterns collect the rain water and grey water is used to hydrate the landscape. The buildings are designed to catch cooling trade winds while providing spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. This approach has earned Hix Island House the first Sustainable Tourism Facility Certification from Puerto Rico Tourism and is what gives Hix the opportunity to welcome visitors to the island post Maria.

Hix Architecture & Nature

“I strive to make my buildings fit with Nature,” said John Hix, the architect. “Instead of taking over the jungle, the structures are built around the jungle. My houses are designed to conserve commercial energy, reduce repair and maintenance, minimize the use of chemicals, thus treading lightly on the Earth.”

 

Hix has generously achieved a balancing act between modernism and nature. Six concrete buildings spread out over the property are surrounded by palm, local fruit trees, and plentiful red hibiscus blooms.

Hix Pool & Yoga Studio

A pool provides yet another secluded and quiet oasis with it’s clean lines and surrounding gardens. The outdoor yoga studio, surrounded by dense foliage is inviting and serene. Yoga classes are given on request at the open-air studio most weekday mornings.

Hix Island House Rooms

At Hix Island House the outdoors become indoors.

My husband and I stayed on the top floor of Casa Solaris. We entered the room, the shutters were closed and the room dark. Upon lifting the immense roll up door on one end and the shuttered window on the other, the room transformed into an open-air oasis, melding the indoors with the outside. Warm breezes fluttered from one end of the room to the other like the butterflies in the gardens below. The eternal view to St. Croix above the canopy of trees was framed, like a stunning work of art, by the outline of the soft grey concrete. The sweet hint of blossoms and delicate chirping of birds filled our senses with peace and tranquility.

Think high ceilings, light colored walls which bounce all of the natural light around the room, polished cement floors and counter-tops. A welcoming king size bed positioned toward the stunning vista, assured a view from every angle.

Hix Eco Friendly Luxury Amenities

The bathroom, also with polished cement floors and sink, is where the Frette linens and robes, exclusive Neeva Gayle cotton shirts, and eco-friendly shampoo and conditioner are found. It’s also where there’s access to the private out-door shower with ocean and tree top view.

Serious Eating

A full kitchen, island with stools, and a generous table provide plenty of prep area and seating. On the counter locally made bread and a bowl of fresh fruit, often picked from the trees on property, is like a beacon to the hungry traveler. In the refrigerator, everything one needs to make breakfast; eggs, cereal, juice, Puerto Rican coffee beans, tea, milk, and jam. There’s no better way to start the day with freshly ground coffee and local ingredients for French toast or scrambled eggs.The wild beauty of Hix Island House inspires serious eating.

Hix Location

Hix Island House, located on the Spanish Virgin Island of Vieques, is off the southeast corner of mainland Puerto Rico. Just a 22 minute flight from San Juan, 10 minute flight from from Ceiba, and within 3 hours from Miami makes it an easy trip from any location. Ferry service from Fajardo takes about 1 1/2 hours.

Island of Vieques

Less touristy than some of the other islands in the Caribbean, there are no hi-rise hotels making it a commercial free destination. Options for adventure and exploration are endless. The island’s activities have low impact to the environment staying true to the eco-friendly philosophy of the Hix House.

Vieques Beaches

There is no shortage of beaches. I’m told there are over 40. The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge manages 54% of the island and the more popular beaches that are the definition of stunning – strikingly blue waters and picture-perfect sand. We spent two days exploring over ten different beaches. Some offer unique experiences for the adventure enthusiast; surfing, kayaking, horseback riding, and snorkeling. Other beaches are secluded for relaxing or with family friendly amenities such as grills and lifeguards. The black sand beach offers striking contrasts, while the dazzling colors of sea glass beach is a true find for the collector. A lighthouse, historical WWII Navy bunkers, and archaeological ruins are available to explore.

Vieques Towns

The town of Esperanza is only 7 minutes from the Hix. Here there’s access to the beach, great snorkeling under the pier, beach front bars, restaurants, and boutique shops along the malecon (promenade along the waterfront). The town of Isabel II is 10 minutes away with colorful houses, shopping, restaurants, and a lighthouse. As travel enthusiasts, this is the sort of location we’re always looking for – unique eco-friendly accommodations and everything we need within easy reach. Best of both worlds really! Many restaurants in both towns are open for business and offer delicious local cuisine and refreshing beverages.

The Hix Experience

Combine staggering views and inviting eco-friendly serenity of Hix  with an island offering a connection to nature and not commercialism, and you have a winner. The attention to detail, the friendly staff, and a lovely sense of privacy give visitors the opportunity to be close to nature in many forms – all while minimally impacting the environment.

The effects of the hurricane weigh heavily in the local economy and by way of fear in the tourist. Responsible tourism will continue to help Vieques recover and visiting is the most effective remedy. Hix and Vieques are the perfect combination of hospitality and sustainable tourism at its most gracious. Now is the time to visit. Once you get here, you’ll be relieved you did.

Our stay at the Hix Island House was complimentary but all views are my own.

Hix Island House
HC-02 Box 14902
Route 995, Kilometer 1.5
Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765

Hix Island House.com
tel. +1 (787) 435-4590
info@hixislandhouse.com

Like Hix Island House on Facebook

Follow Hix Island House on Instagram

Beach umbrellas, cooler bags, and snorkeling gear are available in the lobby. The staff is happy to make reservations for restaurants, sailing trips, scuba excursions, horseback riding, biking, fishing, and the world-famous Vieques Bio-bay.

The post Where to Stay in Vieques Right Now appeared first on Boulevards & Byways.

When there’s a chill in the air in New York, I know it’s time to go to Puerto Rico and warm up. But with the pandemic looming, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to traveling. I put together this comprehensive travel guide to Puerto Rico to help navigate the COVID rules and restrictions as well as highlight some of the best places to visit on the island for social distancing.

Be mindful and respectful that social distancing and mandatory face coverings in public areas are required, including on the beaches. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all of the COVID restrictions currently in force in Puerto Rico as of today.

Before traveling to Puerto Rico, visitors must familiarize themselves with the Puerto Rico covid requirements by visiting the Discover Puerto Rico website for the most up-to-date Covid guidelines.

It’s important that visitors understand this requirement protects those who live on the island from getting COVID and limit the stress on an already burdened health system. It is also the right thing to do. Why would anyone unknowingly want to carry COVID into airports and onto airplanes?

In light of the global pandemic continuing to loom over us, Boulevards and Byways reached out to ConsumersAdvocate.org to better understand just how travel insurance works in conjunction with the Covid-19 pandemic. With so many unknown stresses with your travel plans, you may want to deeply consider your travel insurance options so that you can travel worry and hassle-free.

The ConsumersAdvocate.org team researched what policies have which sort of coverage. The result is a guide on the best travel insurance featuring a side-by-side comparison of 4 different companies voted “best for” in various categories.  The insurances were assessed on their coverage, benefits, financial strength, and price and reputation. 

Whether you chose travel insurance for your future international or domestic trip, ensure you understand exactly what’s covered. There are different categories for the basic coverage, as well as limitations for coverage such as alcohol use and extreme sports. 

10 things to see in Old San Juan

A trip to Puerto Rico wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Old San Juan.  s the oldest settlement within Puerto Rico and the historic colonial section of the city of San Juan. This historic district is a National Historic Landmark District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Old San Juan Historic District. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

El Paseo de la Princesa

Originally created in 1853, the Paseo features a broad brick walkway leading its visitors through a pleasant tree-lined sculptural and garden showcase. 

Raíces Fountain

sculpted by Spanish artist Luis Sanguino can be found along the path. This magnificent bronze fountain celebrates Puerto Rico’s rich cultural diversity and historical heritage through representations of Amerindian, African, and Spanish peoples.

La Puerta de San Juan 

admire the walls, they’re 15 feet thick. Between 1634 and 1638, the city of San Juan was turned into an impregnable fortress with the building of its walls. This massive door was closed at night to protect the city and its residents from attacks by land or sea.

Cathedral de San Juan Bautista.

This inviting cathedral contains the tomb of Ponce de León and something else that’s a bit unusual. The waxed-coated, mummified remains of Saint Pius (San Pio) is on display. The first Christian martyr of the Roman persecutions during the first century, his remains were brought to Puerto Rico from Spain in 1862.

The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture which houses the largest collection of Puerto Rican paintings from the eighteenth century to the 1960s.

El Totem Telurico at the Plaza del Quinto Centenario

Built in1992 to honor the 500-year anniversary of Columbus’ first voyage to the Americas it was created by artist Jaime Suarez. This totem was built with clay from different areas of the Americas and is meant to signify the various origins of the people.

El Morro Fort

and admire the stunning vista of the ocean beyond. A National Historic Site and administered by the US National Park Service, this six-level fortress was completed in 1589 to protect the city from sea invaders.

Plaza de Ballajá,

or military barracks. Built in 1854 for the Spanish troops established on the island, and their families, this building is home today of the 

Museo de las Americas,  which contains pre-Columbian to modern art from the Americas.

Casa Blanca, built in 1521 as a “strong-house” for Ponce de Leon, who died before it was completed. Today, it’s a National Historic Monument and a museum.

La Fortaleza, built in the early 1500′s, was the first fort to protect the city from Carib Indian sea invaders. In 1846, the building was remodeled from a fort to a mansion. The oldest governor’s mansion still used in the Western Hemisphere and a World Heritage Site, it’s open Monday through Friday from 9:00 until 3:30 pm., but you need to make a reservation.

Capilla del Cristo, (Cristo Chapel), built in 1753, is dedicated to the Cristo of Good Health. Here, if you have a health issue, you can purchase the appropriate body-part-shaped piece of silver (promesas), and leave it at the church as an offering.

 Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park). Here you will be able to feed the hundreds of pigeons that make this park home.

Fort San Cristobal,  built in 1634 and completed in 1771, it was used to protect the city from sea and land invasions. The fort, 150 feet high, was constructed with a number of different units all connected by tunnels, and each self-sufficient. In the dungeon, you can see some of the prisoner drawings on the walls. A National Historic Site, it is administered by the US National Park Service.

For more information check out this self-guided walking tour of Old San Juan.

Luquillo Beach, a stunning crescent-shaped oasis on the northeast end of the island features shallow, calm waters, lifeguards, changing facilities, and food. With an awe-inspiring view of El Yunque National Rainforest, is also close to the famous Luquillo Kiosks where you can grab a bite to eat from one of the many local food vendors.

Pinones Beach, two miles outside San Juan, Pinones is an area where you can paddle kayaks around the mangrove lagoon and rent bikes as you cycle along the nature trail boardwalk. There is no shortage of food vendors selling local dishes like arepas, pinchos, and bacalitos.

La Posita Beach is protected from the rough surf by a natural rock wall running along the length of the beach, creating a clear shallow pool. Close to the airport, you can watch the planes as they fly overhead toward their next destination.

Dorado Beach, west of San Juan, is a white sand cove, and home of the 11-mile long Rockefeller Trail.

Ocean Park Beach, just east of Condado offers a mile-long stretch of sand offering a quiet oasis as well as opportunities to kite-surf, boogie board, and play beach volleyball.

Condado Beach, the island’s best hotels and resorts line this famous Puerto Rico beach which bustles with active beachgoers.  

Mar Chiquita, set on the north coast, is a stunning horseshoe-shaped beach. Waves crash over the stunning coral formations making this the most photographed beach.

Sandy Beach, in Rincon on the west coast, is a magnificent stretch of beach where surfers and boogie-boarders can be found waiting to catch a wave. Lined by apartments, hotels, restaurants, and beach bars it’s a great place to hang out, grab a drink, and watch the sunset.

La Playuela Beach, located along the southwestern coast in Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge is complete with hiking trail, a Lighthouse, and limestone cliffs.

La Chiva, (Blue Beach/#21) in Vieques (home to some 40 beaches) is maintained through the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. The west end of La Chiva offers great snorkeling and the east side has shallow waters for wading.

Arepas are around, puffed dough (some look like a small donut without the hole, while others remind me of an Asian bao or steamed bun), which can be grilled, baked, fried, or steamed and stuffed or topped with pork, beef, or fish. Arepas are one of my favorite foods in Puerto Rico.

Lechon or whole roasted pig is a traditional holiday food in Puerto Rico, but it doesn’t have to be a holiday for you to try it. There’s an entire town, Guavate, dedicated to cooking and serving this juicy and succulent meat all year-round. Take a ride along “pork highway” (la Ruta del Lechón), where you’ll find a party in the street along with several restaurants specializing in pork (lechoneras). With music blaring, salsa dancing in the street, and lechon roasting on the spit, you can’t go wrong.

Chillo Frito or whole red snapper is a must try if you’re a fish fan. Moist and tender on the inside and the crunchy skin on the outside, there’s no better place to try it than in Puerto Rico.

Tostones, thickly sliced fried green plantains are wildly popular in both restaurants and as a street food. These crispy fried plantains, (a very firm banana) are either served as a side dish or as an appetizer and can be dipped in catchup/mayo, a popular condiment in Puerto Rico.

Pinonos consists of ground beef and seasonings with fried plantains wrapped around the meat. Its sweet and savory combination is filling is delicious.

Alcapurrias are one of the many dishes served at kiosks or streetside stands. Consisting of dough surrounding ground beef, they are deep-fried in oil. The dough is generally green bananas (guineo) or grated cassava.

Pinchos is Spanish for spikes. Pork, chicken or shrimp shish-kebob grilled on roadside stands, gets your mouth watering while it cooks.

Bacalaitos are salt cod pancake-like fritters. Delicious. I found this one being fried in a beach-side stand in Manati.

Pastelillo is a flaky pastry which is baked or fried and packed with beef chicken or fish. Enjoy it as an appetizer or a main dish. The smaller version of this snack is often called an empanadilla.

Mofongo is Puerto Rico’s signature dish and if you eat only one local food, this is the one to try. Fried green plantains mashed in a wooden pilon, filled with pork, steak, chicken or seafood, and covered in garlic and olive oil, or a criollo (red) sauce. Yum. Delicious!

Surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, snorkeling, kayaking, kite surfing, and jet skiing are all popular water activities in Puerto Rico. My favorite, Pirate Snorkeling Shack in Fajardo, offers informative and educational snorkeling and kayaking tours of Seven Seas Bay and if you’re looking to paddleboard, they have that also. When you come back from your adventure, you can rent one of their fun and colorful swan or unicorn floats. Spend your afternoon floating on the bay and enjoying the beautiful vista. Great for the kids (and adults too)!

El Yunque is the only tropical forest in the United States National Forest System and is known for having one of the greatest concentrations of biodiversity anywhere, especially among its insects, mushrooms, and fern. Since the hurricane, it is unfortunate that most of the forest remains inaccessible, but La Coca Falls (Carr. 191) and Yokahu Tower (Carr. 191) are open until 4:30 pm each day. I was there a few months ago, and I strongly recommend a drive to La Coca Falls, taking a few photos and climbing the tower from which you’ll see a stunning view of the Atlantic, Luquillo, and the forest canopy. There are tour operators in the area where you can also zip line, horseback ride, or rent an ATV, all while enjoying the beauty of the rainforest.

3 Bio Bays

Visiting the bio bay is a must-do activity when visiting Puerto Rico. Tiny organisms in the bay make the water the glow. This bioluminescent glow is produced by a physic-chemical reaction that begins when the single-celled dinoflagellate organism is disturbed.

There are only five places in the world where you can see the bioluminescent bay and three are in Puerto Rico: Mosquito Bay in Vieques,  Laguna Grande on the northeast coast in Fajardo, and a third in La Parguera in the south.

2 Caves to Explore

Countdown to 12 Days of Puerto Rico

In northwest Puerto Rico in the town of Arecibo, there are two caves worth exploring. Guided tours of the Rio Camuy Caves are offered giving participants a first-hand view of the large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways which have been carved out by the third-largest underground river in the world, the Río Camuy.

Unlike the Camuy caves which are underground, another cave stunningly located on the side of a cliff worth visiting is Cueva Ventana. Tours of this site will deliver insight into how the cave formed, the many creatures which call it home, the plants on site, (some of which are near extinction), and provide the history of the original Taino Indians who were the original inhabitants of the area.

Monthly temperatures average between 75 and 85 degrees so there’s never a bad time to visit. Easy to get to, especially from the U.S., there are direct flights from cities all along the East Coast. You can get to San Juan is just a little over 2 hours from Miami and less than 3.5 hours from New York. No passport? No problem. You only need a valid government-issued ID to travel to Puerto Rico from the U.S. While the primary language is spoken is Spanish, most locals know English too. So, beach bums and hikers, rum lovers and foodies, those who like water sports and exploring caves and of course, science geeks, history buffs, and art aficionados, Puerto Rico welcomes you. There really is something for everyone here.

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